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About the Department of Biology

The Department of Biology offers undergraduates two broadly-based bachelor's degree programs
and a Master of Science degree. Within each undergraduate degree program, there are opportunities
for selecting a concentration. A congenial atmosphere allows students to develop a close
relationship with peers, graduate students, and faculty. An emphasis is placed on laboratory
and field courses and on participation in research.

The Biology undergraduate curriculum, supported by physical sciences and mathematics,
is designed to provide students with a strong background in the principles of biology
and rigorous upper-division instruction. This combination of breadth and in-depth instruction
allows students to develop the intellectual foundations and the skills necessary to deal
with the specific biological concerns of today and the flexibility to meet the needs
of the profession.

The Biology Master's program is comprised of an active cohort of graduate students engaged
in original research with faculty members in all areas of research specialization covered
in the department. Graduate research is often supported by external funding and graduate
student support includes teaching assistantships that involve close mentoring relationships
with instructional faculty. Many graduates of the masters program go on to pursue doctoral
degrees, and others continue in research, biotechnology, resource management, and education.

Biology undergraduates have an outstanding record of acceptance in advanced degree programs
at medical, dental, veterinary and graduate schools. Other graduates pursue diverse career
paths related to biology. Students seeking a teaching credential may elect biology as
their major within the teaching credential preparation program in science.

Laboratory instruction provides students with hands-on opportunities with physiological
equipment, ultracentrifugation, PCR, electrophoresis, light microscopy, immunofluorescence
microscopy and microbiological techniques. Excellent laboratory and greenhouse facilities,
such as the Raymond Burr Greenhouse and orchid collection, exist for maintaining live
material for classroom use and research. A radioisotope laboratory is also available.

Field courses draw upon the unparalleled diversity of habitats in the North Bay region.
They also capitalize on two spectacular nature preserves: Fairfield Osborn Preserve,
and Galbreath Wildlands Preserve, administered by Sonoma State University. In addition,
the department maintains museum collections of local plants, algae and fungi (North Coast
Herbarium of California), vertebrates (Jack Arnold Vertebrate Collection), insects and
other invertebrates.